By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies

Washington, October 22, 2024 — Former CIA Director and retired U.S. Army General David Petraeus has urged the Biden administration to expand tactical missile support for Ukraine, warning that the recently announced $400 million aid package will not be enough to halt Russian advances. Petraeus’ comments, reported by Newsweek, come as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin concluded his visit to Kyiv, where the new aid package was announced.

The aid package, unveiled on October 21, includes armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons aimed at bolstering Ukrainian forces fighting on the front lines. Despite this, Petraeus expressed concerns that the continued restrictions on long-range weapons, like ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) and Storm Shadow missiles, are limiting Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian-held territory. These weapons are restricted by Western nations, including the U.S. and the UK, to avoid escalating the conflict further into Russia.

“Is it enough? I fear not,” Petraeus said in an interview with CNN, citing that while Ukraine has demonstrated effective resistance, Russian forces are still making incremental gains on the battlefield.

Petraeus, who played a key role in shaping U.S. military strategy during the Iraq War, emphasized the need for Western nations to take more decisive action to support Ukraine. “What we need to be doing, all of us together, is to try to enable Ukraine to stop the Russian advances on the front lines,” he urged.

Austin, during his visit to Kyiv, reassured Ukraine of continued bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress, stressing the long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defense. However, Petraeus highlighted the need to reassess current aid restrictions, particularly those on missile systems that could help Ukraine disrupt Russian logistics and command centers further behind the front lines.

In addition to calling for more tactical missile support, Petraeus pointed to the strategic importance of the Black Sea, noting Ukraine’s naval limitations and urging more international focus on securing maritime access for Ukraine. The Black Sea remains a vital area for both Ukrainian exports and Russian military operations, and control over it is crucial for the broader war effort.

While the new U.S. aid package adds to the tens of billions already provided to Ukraine by Western allies, experts and military analysts continue to stress the need for more robust military assistance, particularly as the conflict stretches into its second year. With Russia still holding significant territory and showing no signs of retreat, Ukraine’s need for enhanced capabilities—especially in missile strikes—remains critical.